Finally tracked one down and now the proud owner - very pleased with the watch
One thing I am not too keen on is the trieste strap - anyone recommend any custom made leather options? (The stainless steel is too expensive an option for me currently after pricing them in Wempe)

Not an easy question if you want to keep the fit of the Trieste strap to the case of the watch. I had mine with both the bracelet (one of the best bracelets available across the industry in my opinion) and the Trieste - I really liked the watch but ultimately decided it was a bit too big for me. I found the Trieste strap uncomfortable with the original deployant but actually really liked it when I swapped on a pin buckle. But I gather your objection may be more to the look of the strap than the comfort.

As to possible options, if you want to keep the tight of the Trieste, I believe both ABP and Camille Fournet will make new custom straps using the lug end insert from the OEM strap to ensure a precise fit. That, of course, means that the Trieste strap will be destroyed in the process. If you want something cheaper and not custom but still form fitting, I have had good luck with the Leonardo and Medici line of straps from Hirsch which have an insert that allows for some customization of the fit with case and lugs.

If you don't care about the fit to the case and lugs, the possibilities are limitless of course. I think the fairly refined look of the Sport Evo (for a watch of its bulk) lends itself to a more refined strap rather than something "rustic" or vintage looking. The weight of the watch, in my experience, requires a strap with a bit of thickness to keep things balanced.

I'm guessing a bit at what you're actually thinking about here and happy to provide more specific advice if you refine what you're looking for and which version of the watch you've got.

I have one and love it. I also have both bracelet and trieste strap. In fact this is my 2nd strap one wore out and broke. I alternate it every few months. very different looks. The bracelet is heavy and well made. Great look and micro adjust. The trieste is much lighter and sportier in my opinion. I have the GO deployant clasp.